Studio Ulster

Ulster University is seeking to procure an Operator and Delivery partner for the Studio Ulster project. Studio Ulster is a large-scale virtual studio production complex designed to support both commercial and research, development and innovation activities. The facilities include, but are not limited to, a large-scale virtual studio sound stage, second flexible virtual production sound stage, a smart/demo stage, a motion capture stage and 3D scanning stage with a total floor area of approx. 70,000sq. The Operator will be responsible for developing the design, the installation and the operation of the equipment servicing Studio Ulster. Studio Ulster will include a ‘Tier 1’ Centre of Excellence in Research & Development & Innovation in the virtual production and associated technologies sector. The building is being delivered by Belfast Harbour as part of an expansion within the existing Belfast Harbour Film complex. Belfast Harbour, as landlord, and Ulster University have entered into a long-term Agreement for Lease for Studio Ulster. The Operator and Delivery Partner will develop the detailed design for the specialist equipment, procure the specialist equipment on behalf of UU and operate the commercial activities within the facility, which in turn will drive R&D across the virtual production, broadcast, animation, games and immersive elements of this sector. The Operator & Delivery Partner will be required to :

• Work with strategic partners within the virtual production and associated technologies sector to support the growth of the creative industry sector in NI, through a focus on virtual production as a nexus within the screen industries. • Promote and operate a centre of excellence in the screen sector, recognised locally, nationally and internationally, as a focal point for the screen industries. • Support innovation in the production cycle to generate new products, services and experiences, through applied research and collaborative R&D with players in the screen industry. • Create a step change in the wider ecosystem by supporting development and driving innovation in the screen sector, that facilitates the application and adoption of new approaches and emerging technologies across multiple industry sectors. • Work with key stakeholders to provide training and skills development opportunities that expand the capacity of the talent pipeline, to meet the needs of the screen sector. It is currently envisaged that the successful Economic Operator will enter into two contractual agreements:
• a Collaborative Partnership Agreement with Studio Ulster Limited for all commercial activities to be undertaken in respect of the Studio Ulster and providing for the provision of Operator and Delivery Partner Services to Ulster University by the successful Economic Operator;
• a Research and Innovation Partnership Agreement to encourage and initiate research engagement between the Economic Operator and Ulster University that will be mutually beneficial both to the operator and sector wide R&D challenges. An agreement that is responsive to the needs of industry going forward and that will help build a sustainable ecosystem for the development of new solutions, identify applied research needs and supports the wider innovation and development needs of the virtual production sector. Ulster University is fully committed to the implementation and delivery of Social Value through procurement and operations, and this shall form part of the procurement award criteria for this competition that shall be conducted via Reg 30 Competitive Dialogue process.